In a dramatic interception at sea, the Moroccan navy successfully thwarted an attempt by 141 individuals to traverse the perilous Atlantic Ocean in search of a new life. The migrants, all hailing from sub-Saharan Africa, were rescued from a boat off the coast of Western Sahara, a disputed territory under Moroccan control since 1975.
The Royal Armed Forces of Morocco revealed in a statement on Sunday that they were able to rescue all passengers aboard the vessel, which likely set sail more than a week earlier from Mauritania, Morocco’s southern neighbor. Mauritania serves as a primary departure point for migrants aiming to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, a journey fraught with danger and uncertainty.
This interception marks the largest reported by Moroccan authorities this year, underscoring the escalating challenges posed by irregular migration in the region. Despite the Canary Islands being approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Morocco’s Atlantic coast, migrants often embark on their journey from as far south as the Gambia, enduring treacherous conditions that can span up to 10 days, as noted by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
Spain’s Interior Ministry disclosed that as of February 15, a staggering 11,704 migrants had arrived on the Canary Islands, representing a more than sixfold increase compared to the previous year. The majority of these migrants have embarked from Mauritania, which recently entered into a 210 million euro agreement with the European Union. This agreement includes provisions for enhanced migration patrolling and humanitarian aid aimed at addressing the growing crisis.
As the number of migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Atlantic continues to rise, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of those at sea. The interception by the Moroccan navy serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and the complex dynamics shaping migration patterns in the region.
